Description
These crispy golden delights are savory snacks made with a flavorful cornmeal and cheese batter, perfect for parties or as appetizers. Fried to perfection, they are sure to impress family and friends!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. Whisk together until all dry ingredients are well mixed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs until fully combined.
- Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Fold in the shredded cheese and crumbled bacon (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- In a large, deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, pour in enough vegetable oil to reach a depth of about 2 inches. This will allow the snacks to float while frying.
- Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping a small amount of batter into it; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.
- While the oil is heating, prepare a plate lined with paper towels to drain the fried snacks once they are cooked.
- Once the oil is hot, use a tablespoon or a small ice cream scoop to drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary.
- Fry the snacks for about 3-4 minutes on one side, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to gently flip them over and fry for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side.
- Once they are evenly golden and crispy, carefully remove the snacks from the oil using the slotted spoon and transfer them to the prepared plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Continue frying the remaining batter in batches, ensuring the oil temperature remains consistent. Adjust the heat as necessary to maintain the temperature.
- Once all the snacks are fried and drained, arrange them on a serving platter.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle a little sea salt over the top while they are still warm.
- Serve the crispy golden delights immediately while they are hot and crispy. They pair wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or a tangy barbecue sauce.
- Enjoy your crispy golden delights as a snack, appetizer, or party treat!
Notes
- Ensure your oil is at the right temperature before frying. If the oil is too cool, the snacks will absorb more oil and become greasy. If its too hot, they may burn on the outside while remaining raw inside.
- For added flavor, consider mixing in herbs like chopped chives or parsley into the batter.
- Experiment with different types of cheese or add spices to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
- If you want to make these snacks ahead of time, you can prepare the batter and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before frying.
- Leftover snacks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in an oven or air fryer to regain their crispiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes